Press Release Nº179/2015

AU Commission Chairperson sends best wishes to African athletes participating in the Indian Ocean Island Games

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 2 August 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has sent a message of best wishes to all African athletes, coaches, team officials, volunteers and organizers of the Island States participating in the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) in Reunion Island, from the 1st to the 9th of August 2015.

The 9th edition of the IOIG, a multi-sport event with also a youth and cultural component, was officially opened on Saturday 1 August on Reunion Island. Athletes from Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Maldives, Mayotte, Reunion Island and the Seychelles will participate in sports and cultural events from the 1st to 9th August 2015.

“I have no doubt that the ideals of non-violence, fair play and tolerance, being at the heart of all competitions, will prevail in this important sporting event of the Indian Ocean.

I appeal to all those who will be part of the event to fully live the principles of friendship, fair play, acceptance and solidarity during the ten days of competition and youth cultural events,” Dr. Dlamini Zuma said after the opening of the games.

The AUC Chairperson also reiterated the Commission’s recognition of the sovereignty of the Union of the Comoros over Mayotte. This is in support of the decision of the Comorian delegation to walk out after the Mayotte delegation used the French flag instead of the flag of the Games as stipulated by the Games’ Charter.

The AUC Chairperson has congratulated all athletes who have already won medals and sent her encouragements to the other competitors.

Sports have always been a unifying factor in Africa and in the world. The AU encourages participation in such sporting events as the Indian Ocean Island Games as occasions for interacting and forging strong bonds of friendship between people.

FS/JEE

Directorate of Information and Communication

Directorate of Information and Communication | Information and Communication | African Union Commission
Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia